S.1270 - Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1270, the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act of 2025, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. It focuses on ensuring consensual donation and respectful handling of human bodies and body parts donated for education, research, or medical science advancement, specifically excluding transplantation purposes. The bill introduces registration requirements for entities profiting from the sale of human bodies or body parts, with exceptions for organ procurement networks, funeral service professionals, and non-profit educational institutions.
Expected Effects
The Act will establish a regulatory framework for the handling of donated human remains used in research and education. This includes mandatory registration, inspections, record-keeping, labeling, and limitations on the use and disclosure of donor information. It also outlines penalties for violations, including fines and registration revocation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced ethical standards and respect for human remains donated for research and education.
- Increased transparency and accountability in the handling and transfer of human bodies and body parts.
- Improved donor consent processes and protection of donor information.
- Reduced risk of misuse or unethical practices in the acquisition and disposition of human remains.
- Clearer guidelines and regulations for organizations involved in this field.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden and costs for organizations involved in the handling of human remains, particularly for-profit entities.
- Potential delays in research and education due to stricter regulations and compliance requirements.
- Possible limitations on the availability of human bodies and body parts for research if donation rates decrease due to increased scrutiny.
- The creation of a new regulatory bureaucracy and associated costs for taxpayers.
- Potential for unintended consequences or loopholes in the regulations that could be exploited.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote ethical practices and protect individuals' rights regarding the donation of their bodies for research and education. The regulation of interstate commerce related to human body parts falls under the purview of Congress as defined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).